NU Seeks Energy Conservation Funds

Northeast Utilities said Wednesday that it is applying for $50 million to $75 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for half of a massive expansion of its energy conservation programs.

Electricity ratepayers would pick up the other half.

"The states we serve have a longstanding commitment to the environment and energy efficiency, and 'smart grid' technologies can enable us to achieve even greater efficiencies," Charles W. Shivery, NU's president and chief executive officer, said Wednesday.

The Berlin-based company said it will ask the U.S. Department of Energy to cover half of a $100 million to $150 million plan to expand "smart grid" technology, buy 200,000 advanced meters and "smart" thermostats. Smart grid technology allows utilities to remotely shut off problematic circuits during outages, among other things.

The money would be divided among NU's utilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Most of the 200,000 advanced meters would be installed in Connecticut, where CL&P is already testing the country's largest advanced meter program.